- Kylian Mbappe is bidding for his second Golden Boy award in December

- The PSG star faces competition from the likes of Christian Pulisic and Vinicius Junior

- Europe-based journalists are expected to pick the winner in December 2018

Organizers for the annual Golden Boy awards have released 60 nominees for 2018 edition after leaving out almost the same number as they close in on the eventual winner.

According to a UK Mirror report, Europe’s best football youngsters are vying to claim the prestigious award previously won by the likes of Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Raheem Sterling, Isco and Paul Pogba.

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France World Cup forward Kylian Mbappe who claimed the top prize last year, is still in the running to become the first to win the silverware back-to-back.

The Frenchman is still eligible for the award as he is not above 21 and is still plying his trade in the top flight of a European league.

The PSG star is one of the favourites to lay claim to this year’s award, but faces stiff competition from the likes of Christian Pulisic and Vinicius Junior and Ajax defence ace Matthijs De Ligt, who will be praying to be the first defender to win the top award.

On the other hand, the English topflight is well represented with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, Brahim Diaz, Tom Davies, Diogo Dalot, Juan Foyth, Ruben Vinagre and Ryan Sessegnon making the cut.

Interestingly, Sessegnon made the new 60 nominees list following, Fulham's promotion to the Premier League.

However, the nominees will be further reduced to 20 in November, before journalists around Europe will vote to determine the eventual winner in December.Golden Boy 2018 nominees.